Bootlegging, drunk driving, shootings: Diplomatic incidents in Pakistan

Diplomats enjoy immunity but that does not mean they can violate the law of the land

KARACHI: Certain foreign diplomats end up becoming infamous in Pakistan and they do it in the worst way possible by taking refuge under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961.

No respect for the law?

US embassy Defence and Air attache Colonel Joseph Emmanuel Hall, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, jumped a red light and hit two motorcyclists in the federal capital.

Atiq Baig, 22, suffered a fatal head injury. His cousin Raheel Ahmed also suffered injuries.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Although the diplomat has immunity guaranteed by the government of Pakistan, police have requested the Ministry of Interior to place Hall's name on the Exit Control List (ECL) and registered a criminal case against him. They are also proceeding to get the diplomat's local driving licence revoked.



Unfortunately, this is the third time a US diplomat was involved in an accident in Pakistan.

Bootlegging?

In 2016, North Korean diplomat Hyon Ki Yong was accused of selling alcohol in the country.

Police and customs officials claimed that some North Korean diplomats are involved in selling alcohol, either to make money for themselves or to provide funds for the cash-starved regime in Pyongyang.

Drunk driving?

In May 2013, another accredited US diplomat killed a 65-year-old man after his vehicle ran over him. The matter was settled outside court with the victim's family.

Texting while driving?

In February 2013, US diplomat, Lupersio Perez killed a Capital Development Authority employee and injured another when his car collided with a bike in Islamabad.

PHOTO: ONLINE

Intoxicated?

In 2011, Martin, an allegedly drunk commercial officer of the German Consulate rammed his car into a parked police van in Karachi, injuring four policemen. He was briefly detained.


License to kill?

In January 2011, Raymond Davis, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) contractor killed two men who were believed to be intelligence operatives. Nonetheless, he was set free after the families of the two killed men were paid blood money. Judges acquitted him on all charges.

PHOTO: EXPRESS